Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) FAQ

Annette (Gbemudu) Ogbru, PharmD, MBA

Dr. Gbemudu received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Nova Southeastern University, her PharmD degree from University of Maryland, and MBA degree from University of Baltimore. She completed a one year post-doctoral fellowship with Rutgers University and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

What are tricyclic antidepressants, and how do they work?

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of
antidepressant medications
that share a similar chemical structure and biological effects. Scientists
believe that patients with depression may have an imbalance in
neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves make and use to communicate with other
nerves. Tricyclic antidepressants increase levels of norepinephrine and
serotonin, two neurotransmitters, and block the action of acetylcholine, another
neurotransmitter. Scientists believe that by restoring the balance in these
neurotransmitters in the brain that tricyclic antidepressants alleviate depression. In addition to
relieving depression, tricyclic antidepressants also cause sedation and block the action of
histamine.